1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
The thriller — more horrific than straight-up scary — is worth checking out, if only for the late Brittany Murphy's nervy turn as a razor-wielding woman confined to a sanatorium.
—
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
And McConaughey, as a nervy reluctant hero, steers the searing, intense narrative about normal people living through the most hellish of circumstances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
The times have seldom been more hostile toward political mythmaking as nervy as this, or blockbuster intelligence of this scale.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
And McConaughey, as a nervy reluctant hero, steers the searing, intense narrative about normal people living through the most hellish of circumstances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
The times have seldom been more hostile toward political mythmaking as nervy as this, or blockbuster intelligence of this scale.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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The military plays only an advisory role in the American system, giving input to the president’s deliberations but not otherwise independently adjudicating whether his or her decision is wise.—
Peter D. Feaver,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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Kyle Dubas made a very wise move by signing Mantha, who fits in very nicely with this group and is playing high-level hockey.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Overall, this is a less-adventurous release than past chapters of Little Book, but there are a range of classic bourbon notes like vanilla, maple, honey, pear, baked apple, and that signature Jim Beam peanut note.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
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Spend a day at Baía do Sancho, often ranked the world’s best beach for its turquoise water, abundant marine life, and adventurous cliffside access.—
Carla Vianna,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In 2024, Mark looked nervous watching Grace compete in a horse show.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Senior dogs, puppies, or nervous rescues may require specialized care.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The 28-year-old model and businesswoman posted a series of photos on Instagram from a recent beach getaway, featuring a few cheeky snaps of her in a bikini.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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And petite travelers like myself will love that these are no-hemming-required, thanks to their 7/8 length that ends in a cheeky kick flare right below the calf.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Rae’s dress featured a dramatic deep V neckline and nude illusion mesh straps that create a daring contrast against the gown’s sleek black fabric.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
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Her nude mani was rounded but with a square tip, which is the perfect mix between elegant and daring.—
Ana Serrano,
Glamour,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In response, the White House is planning to adjust its messaging strategy to focus on affordability to try to win over voters who are worried about the high cost of living with plans to emphasize new tax breaks and show progress on fighting inflation.—
Michelle L. Price,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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Are Americans worried about inflation just wrong?—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Calf & Pony Hair The sleek, tactile surface of pony hair adds a bold edge to any accessory, creating a striking contrast in bags, hats, and footwear.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
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Simone’s performance is mesmerizing—bold, vulnerable, and transformative.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Its height and solidity gave the sense of a play structure, the crossbar that loomed above the platform a climbing feature for the truly fearless, and the rope noose perfect for swinging and letting fly if only the gallows had been built over water.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
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The fearless work of Black activists who were murdered led to historic victories in Congress and the courts.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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